Music Mondays

I'm a cynic. I'm also fully aware that being overly critical can be a good thing but is often a negative character trait.

For instance, when I watch the following video, I see a number of things that feel cliche and Christian-y. 

But man, if this song doesn't override my cynicism and suck me in. That's a fun song lyrically, vocally, and musically. It's a song about joy that is infectiously joyous. 

I had a youth pastor who once questioned why all the pictures and albums of Christian bands and artists seemed so serious and stoic. He'd complain, "Why can they be smiling? We Christians are supposed to be happy and joyful!" 

Now, I believe the best Christian artists will wrestle with the entire spectrum of human experience and shouldn't have to fake optimism. Plus, art directors for albums and photographers have their own creative approaches that govern those kinds of images.

But a song like this does honestly bring us back to the joy that our salvation brings us. We have reasons to celebrate - really more than anyone else in the world. As airbrushed as some of those video scenes are, there's no denying that the joy of Christ ought to infect us wherever we are and whatever we're doing.

Music Mondays

I can't explain why - but I'm a sucker for cover versions of popular songs. Maybe it's because some songs get so overplayed, it's nice to hear them reimagined. I don't know.

But whatever the explanation involves, I got hooked by this recent viral video video I saw of The Fray's "How to Save a Life":

I think the song originally resonated with me because it was written from a place of frustration at being ill-equipped to help needy people in needy situations. I've been a camp counselor like Mr. Slade was, and even as a pastor I feel that way sometimes too.

Music Mondays

It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need

Give me the answer
Give me the way out
Give me the faith to believe in these hard times

Sometimes songs resonate with you more during particular seasons of life. As a pastor, I have seasons of excitement and joy. Other seasons are filled with struggle and helping people through the messiness of life. Currently I'm in the latter stage and this song has popped into my head as I see people yearning for answers and having to deal with the "ugliness" of this world. The wonderful truth is, it's all pointing us to Who we need.

There are other live videos that might be more visually interesting. But doesn't this simple lyric video delivers the goods?